Friday, June 24, 2016

Bobby Rydell: Comments and Testimonials

Good response to our week-long Bobby Rydell Series.

Here are some of the comments we received before, during and after the series ran ... 

Kent ...
Bobby Rydell - Part One - 
So far, so good.
Frank B.
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBobbyRydell/photos/a.224441190972018.54832.197885396960931/1051659518250177/?type=3&theater  

Confession time. I grew up digging Bobby Rydell and I always thought his vocal range was underrated.  
Hell, I still play Bobby's very enjoyable " Cha Cha Cha" on you tube about twice a week and in 1960 I wanted to attend "Swingin' School."  
In reality, why was the kid so successful? Easy ... at a time when two thirds of white American parents thought rock 'n roll was the music of Satan, Bobby was this non-threatening kid with a big smile and perfectly coiffed hair style who would treat mom and pop's daughter with, uh, respect. Or so it appeared.
Rydell could never play ball in the same league with Chuck, Bo, Jerry Lee or the Five Satins but he does qualify as a second string Dion. He's on the same level with Ricky Nelson.
Plus, I truly admire Bobby's fight to overcome problems with the sauce.
I will give him my highest compliment: yes, he is a rocker.
kk, congrats on your interview. Truly excellent
Chet Coppock

I was 12 when my parents took me to see him for the first time at Monticello supper club in Framingham Mass. I got his autograph. How I wish I had a camera at that time! He was plastered all over my walls growing up,along with Fabian and then, the Beatles! I have seen him through the years on tour with the Boys of Bandstand. I really must read his book.  
Eileen  

And then ...
 
Your piece on Bobby Rydell was FABULOUS!! I saved it all up and just read everything tonight. 
He has always been one of my favorite performers, since the time I saw him when I was about twelve. I was lucky to have seen him many times in Atlantic City with  The Golden Boys - Frankie, Fabian and Chubby, at various performances. Forget Him is still one of my top favorite songs, even after all these years.
Funny, listening to him sing his version of World Without Love, the British accent he tries to put on while singing. I wonder, if it was supposed to be the American version, why he was shooting to sound British? Maybe because it was a Lennon / McCartney tune?
I'd love to be in the running to win a copy of his book!!
Thanks again Kent, for everything you do to keep our oldies alive!!
Eileen
Sorry, but the book winner has already been selected ... congratulations to Mike DeMartino of Chicago!  
Meanwhile you can (and should!) pick up a copy of Bobby's book at either amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com ... or spring for the autographed edition here:
 
'Forget Him' ... oh yes! My favorite too! I would absolutely forget him if that were ever sung to me. 
Teen Idols? British Invasion? When you are IN the time it just flows and makes sense. I liked the music.....all the music. Bobby Rydell sings 'World Without Love', Peter & Gordon  sing 'World Without Love'. I heard Bobby's first. Was it because of that or that the notes go up at the end of the line in Bobby's versus P&G where the notes went down that made Bobby's better for me? Now I cannot choose between the two. The Beatles didn't record it so it was fair game in my eyes. Strange, but that was the case ONLY if The Beatles did not record it. 
Bobby's smooth, sultry, girls-want-to-faint voice ... HE (or someone like him) could find me and be my boyfriend? Perchance to dream! I did! 
Rambling reactions from the first installment. 
Shelley

Kent,   
Love the Rydell interview!  
I was blown away by his story about "Forget Him."  It is certainly a fave of many of us here, but to find out that a US established hit artist recorded the 45 in the UK and it became a hit BEFORE it was a hit here is pretty unusual!  Sure enough it happened as he said it did!
It first charted in the UK on May 23, 1963, and reached #13 over a massive (for the time) 14 weeks run!  By coincidence, the Fab 4 were getting their first US minor successes at this time!  Of course, in the UK, Bobby's song was already battling the home Brit hit groups that were unknown in the US at the time. 
The 45 eventually found its' way to CHUM in Toronto just as he said.  It charted in October on CHUM and filtered down and hit Billboard's Hot 100 in early November, again making a LONG chart run of 16 weeks, peaking at #4! 
For its' progression, here's the ARSA info:
Of course, that Tony Hatch guy was a pretty good writer and had something to do with the success.  After all, he wrote the Cryan Shames first hit too!  Haha.
A couple of things I thought of while writing this and reading your interview:
How about ALL of those picture sleeves with Bobby's head profile only?  Someone at Cameo certainly thought head shots of Bobby on almost EVERY 45 had to be common for every release.  They almost always had new head photos on every new single to get the teen sex appeal even if a 45 might not be worthy of being a hit occasionally.  I think these really helped people see his face and say "THAT'S BOBBY RYDELL!" if they spotted him anywhere or on TV.  Much alike Elvis sleeves, even tho Elvis did not have a sleeve every time.
As far as Bobby playing clubs that would not necessarily include pop groups so much, it must have been similar to Uk groups playing the cabaret circuit, such as the Tremeloes and even the Hollies did in the 60's.
You mentioned "Rydell High" from Grease.  This is the tribute I immediately noticed when Tom Hanks gave Freddy Fredrickson Bobby's voice in "That Thing You Do!"
I wonder how Bobby felt about this obvious portrayal of himself.  Pretty cool, I thought.  Great campy feel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqzkWSz1Onk   
In case you haven't seen his performance from 11/7/59 of his first top 10 record on Dick Clark's Beechnut Show, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csqvBhbwX1I  
His first hit too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVb1Qk4hWJ0  
Fast forward to Bobby's "Forget Him" 1964 followup single on American bandsatnd on my 8th birthday!!  A nice short interview with Dick alfterwards!  Bobby explains his UK recordings with Tony Hatch!  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ibfTf4az4  
Clark Besch  

Hey Kent,
What fun, reading your interview with Bobby Rydell! 
He mentioned working with Louie Bellson on a recording so I had to search for it, as Louie is my all-time favorite drummer. Louie was a super-nice guy, just like Bobby. Bobby Vee is supposed to be another guy who is very friendly and approachable. 
I don't know if Bobby Rydell recorded an all-big band album, but if not, should have. He sounds very comfortable, and right in the groove with all the horns. 
Regarding his friendship with Frank Sinatra, maybe Frank saw a little of himself in Bobby, when he was that age. 
My favorite song of Bobby's is "The Cha Cha Cha". It is so much fun to listen to. I would always wait for the two drum breaks and try to pretend I was the drummer! Upon hearing the song again, I noticed a vibraphone in the mix. Very cool. Bobby said he likes Michael Buble's version of "Sway". Wouldn't it be a real kick if Bobby attended one of Michael's concerts, and then got up onstage to sing the song with him? 
My mom used to be bothered when Bobby would add "uh" after a phrase, like "you-uh, me-uh, this-uh, that-uh" etc., but lots of singers did it back then, and still do. When I would see him on TV, I thought he seemed a bit overconfident, but I realize now that he was just having fun, and that's what show-biz is all about. 


Here's what I would say to Bobby Rydell if I had the chance to speak with him ...   
Hi Bobby,  
I grew up watching the Philadelphia years on American Bandstand and have always considered that era as my favorite in pop music.  You were a big part of that and I have always considered two of your hits, Volare and Forget Him, as all-time favorites.  
Two questions come to mind ... 
What was it like to be part of the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars in those early years and did all the entertainers get along ? 
Secondly, I as a fan, I was always frustrated at the delay in releasing the Cameo Parkway catalog on CD.  As an artist, what was the frustration like on your part, as almost all of the other teen idol music was released while artists like you and Chubby Checker had to wait, not knowing if your fans would ever have access to the original versions of all your hits ? 
I also want to say that there needs to be a place for artists like yourself, Neil Sedaka, Connie Francis, Chubby Checker, Bobby Vee, Jan and Dean  and countless more in the Rock Hall of Fame.  From the moment American Bandstand came on national television in 1958 until the Beatles arrived in America in 1964, the music many of you performed was the soundtrack of lots of lives and our foundation for all that followed. 
Thanks, 
Mark Magel 
I kinda missed the golden Bandstand era ... I didn't discover pop music until The Beatles came along and then I was completely sucked in by The British Invasion. 
Sure, I watched American Bandstand over the years ... but I just never really got into the whole lip-synching bit ... and, never being a dancer, that also held little appeal to me.  As a music fan, I enjoyed things like "Rate A Record" ... it was fun to see some of these new releases go on to be big hits ... although a big percentage of them never did. 
Neil Sedaka, Connie Francis, Chubby Checker, Jan and Dean ... ALL of these artists have been on our "Deserving And Denied" list for quite some time as being worthy of Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction.  (I'd include Paul Anka in that "early era" list, too)  Will it ever happen?  It seems to get less and less likely every year ... which is a real shame as the committee only seems to concentrate on the new "eligibles" each year, leaving great acts like The Guess Who, The Moody Blues, Electric Light Orchestra and several other highly worthy acts in limbo.  (kk)  

I, Eddie Kelly,  along with other American Bandstand regulars such as Carmen Jimenez, Arlene Sullivan and  Frank Lobis, were flown to Los Angeles to be participants in Dick Clark's 33-1/3 American Bandstand Anniversary Special.  Bobby was appearing with Frankie Avalon and Fabian.  We spent some quality time with Bobby and had a few drinks in the lounge.  This was 1985.  
I saw him again and we chatted a bit at the 40th Anniversary of AB at the original studios in Philadelphia in 1997.  He's one of the great and better guys ... really down to earth and never affected by his fame.
Thanks, kk. 
Best,
Eddie  

I interviewed Bobby back in '72 at a little dinner club in my hometown of Lakewood, NJ.  I make the cuts into about a 40 minutes special featuring all of his biggest hits. He was wonderful to me, a then 19 year-old music geek / radio dude. 
I told him that when my wife and I attended his book signing / birthday bash in NYC a few weeks ago. I mentioned that to him ... I don't think he even remembered performing in Lakewood, NJ ... but that's ok, as he likely sang at hundreds of small venues in his day, especially during low periods of his career. But he sure did sing well that night. 
It's great to hear that you're going to be talking to him.  I would have new questions, now that I've read his book. 

1. Tell us more about the guys responsible for the sound coming out of those studios in Philly. I mean ... the musicians, the charts ... and especially, the rockin' bands that played behind the Cameo / Parkway artists. I know some were done in NYC, but the majority were cut in Philly. 
2. Also, tell us MORE about the guys who produced, arranged and wrote the tunes. Did he ever have a hand in lyrics or arrangements?
3. His version of "Jingle Bell Rock" along with Chubby Checker is one of the best Christmas records ever made. Tell us more about that session. Was he pals with Chubby and the rest of the roster there? Their version of that holiday classic truly rocked ... showing Bobby's strength in up-tempo tunes.
I think he could have stayed in the mainstream had he developed a harder edge just as the British Invasion happened. "Wildwood Days" was one example from '63. My only comment about that is the DAVE CLARK FIVE sounded very much like the Cameo / Parkway hits that Rydell did. See if he agrees. Big Saxes ... BIG reverb ... BIG compression and limiting to make the records SPARKLE. 
4. Tell us MORE about how Cameo / Parkway fell apart ... be specific.
I know that gambling of one of the main players there played a large part in the quick demise of Cameo / Parkway. 
5. Does he think HE should be in the R&R Hall of Fame? What about Chubby Checker? 
I will tell you, Kent, that I ENDED an interview just as quickly as it started with Mr. Ernie Evans. He was not only rude to ME (thinking I didn't know about his music -- which of course I DID) and was obviously pissed that he was playing at a small venue on the Seaside Heights, NJ, boardwalk in a dive bar. But he could have be nicer. I know not everyone wants to do an interview before a show ... but I was there between two shows. I was going to do a flattering piece on the guy for air use. But when it became apparent he wasn't interested, I just took the mic and tape machine and walked out. 

Most people don't care too much about the behind the scenes stuff ... but record pigs DO. And that's why I think he could shed some light on some of this fascinating stuff. Philly was the epicenter of the music world for about five years ... much of it dominated by Rydell, Checker, etc..
That ought to hold you for a few minutes of great answers. 
BE BIG!
Big Jay Sorensen 
Without a single exception, every person I have ever talked to who has met, worked with or interviewed Bobby Rydell describes him as one of the nicest guys in show business.  I remember several years ago when Forgotten Hits was brand new one of our readers talked about the time he took all of his Bobby Rydell albums to a live show and asked Bobby to sign them.  It really was kind of a selfish move ... but Bobby didn't hesitate, telling the fellow, "Hey, if you bought 'em all, I'll sign 'em all" ... a virtually unprecedented response.
Meanwhile, nearly to a man, every one who has ever talked to me about Chubby Checker describes him as extremely difficult to get along with.  I dunno ... maybe he's just bitter, feeling that he's never really gotten his due as an artist, acknowledging his contribution to the history of rock and roll ... and there's some truth to that.  Chubby is the ONLY guy to hit #1 TWICE with the same recording and kick off a national dance craze ... TWICE ... each time he did it.  In 1960, the kids got up and twisted ... and a couple of years later, it was their parents visiting all the twist clubs that sprung up all over the nation.  When we campaigned heavily for his rightful induction into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame several years ago, his fan club approached us and said, "Don't worry about Chubby ... the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame will take care of itself" ... again, hardly what one would expect from a fan club of a particular artist. All I know is that it's now nine years later and he STILL hasn't ever even been listed on the ballot ... and I think that's just wrong.  
I think we hit quite a few of the points you suggested during our interview ... see if you agree.  (kk)


Bobby played Rochester as part of the Golden Boys (with Frankie Avalon and Fabian) and he was, by far, the most naturally personable. I was fortunate to emcee the show and spent about 15 minutes with them in their trailer and enjoyed talking to Bobby the most. 
Danny Guilfoyle

One of my first 45s was Bobby Rydell's "Volare" and I played it to death!  LOVED it!  Had no idea anyone had done it previously, just as what happens decade after decade with remakes.  However, thanks to my brothers, I already loved his 45s, much like Freddie Cannon or Neil Sedaka.  Their 45s were always spinning at our house.
BTW, Bobby tried doing a couple of Grass Roots tunes for Reprise.  In 68, he issued both "The Lovin' Things" and "The River Is Wide" as A sides!  I taped his RCA 1970 45 "It Must Be Love" off American Bandstand's "Rate a Record" so Dick Clark was still pushing the Rydell wagon.  It was up against the Osmonds' "Movin Along," who were also kind of has beens at the time ... however they would quickly become giants.  I taped both off AB and really liked "Movin Along" (I was 14 then), which could have easily been a re-release follow-up to "One Bad Apple" after they hit big.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NVQ2bTZJpI    
Clark Besch
When I first saw that Bobby had cut two songs that would ultimately go on to become hits for The Grass Roots while doing the research for this project, I was kinda shocked.  I thought, "Wow, even though he wasn't hitting the charts any more, he still had a great ear for music and could spot a hit song a mile away.  So it was quite a shock when Bobby told me that he didn't pick any of his own material ... he just recorded whatever they put in front of him.  On the other hand, this means that whoever WAS making those decisions at the time felt that Bobby could still be making contemporary recordings if given the chance.  Unfortunately by then, radio wasn't paying attention anymore. (kk)   

I can't wait to read about your Bobby Rydell exploits ... cool stuff.  The guy is, and always was, Mr. Smooth Voice.
EVERYBODY'S got to cha cha cha, as far as I'm concerned!  
I only met him once, and what a sweet, kind gent.
Bob Rush

Very interesting to find out that Bobby only filled in ONE NIGHT as the drummer for Rocco and the Saints after hearing and reading forever that he and Frankie were both in the band. I suppose technically they were but certainly not as I thought. 
Way to dig out the facts and great interview. 
Danny
This was a big reveal for me.  For over half a century now we've heard about how Bobby Rydell (on drums) and Frankie Avalon (on trumpet) were in Rocco and the Saints together and that both went on to enjoy HUGE pop records as worldwide teen idols.  To find out that they did exactly ONE gig together was quite a shock (and even that was with Bobby sitting in.)  Will history be rewritten as a result of our interview?  Probably not ... like they always say, when the legend is better than the truth, print the legend ... but Forgotten Hits readers now know the truth.  (kk)


I am really looking forward to you devoting the entire week to Bobby Rydell.  My favorites of his has got to be SWINGIN' SCHOOL and I always did like his version of THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC.  
I discovered this tonight online about Bobby Rydell. It's from 2001 and the A & E Biography series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDHhg83CJAo&feature=em-share_video_user 
Bobby Rydell - Wild About Bobby
Here's the A&E Biography special for Bobby Rydell from 2001. Includes some great old clips and photos, as well as interviews with: Dick Clark, Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Ann-Margret, James Darren, Linda Hoffman, Bobby himself of course, his family, and many more. A great MUST-watch for any Bobby fan. Do enjoy! 
Larry Neal  

Hi Kent ...  
I have not seen Bobby for a long time.  He recorded one of my songs, "Sideshow", in the sixties. 
Bobby is a great guy ... I love his voice!  I went to the session when Bobby did "Sideshow" and worked with the producer. I wish I had more to share.    
Lots of love, 
John Madara


 
Hi Kent, 
Bobby Rydell has been here many times. 
He donated his time to sing at our Italian Festival many years ago in North Wildwood for a friend who had cancer.  Little did we know his wife Camille would get cancer not too long after that. 
He was here at Cool Scoops with his grandchildren and daughter and l was helping her to sell Wildwood Days Bracelets.  They were a big hit for us all.  Bobby even did a commercial for us at Cool Scoops! 
He took his childhood sweetheart and wife's passing badly. His friends, the Golden Boys, helped him throughout the rough times. 
Bobby underwent double organ transplant a few years back and is brand new! He still sings great and is touring with Frankie and Fabian still allm over the country. He is the headliner this October in Wildwood at the fabulous 50's Event! 
He a great guy and very nice person. 
It is my pleasure to have known him! 
Paul Russo / Cool Scoops 
P.S.  I have included a few rare pics and also pics with him here at Cool Scoops.



 



Bobby the teen idol was an unpretentious, down to earth guy who was a delight to work with and know.  He was a regular guy with no attitude, Bobby was one of the nicer artists I worked with. He had no star ego that got in the way.  Of the many teen idols of the day, Bobby Rydell stood out as one of the truly great vocalist. The guy has chops!
His recording sessions moved quickly. In the studio, Rydell was a true professional. He took direction well and would nail the keeper in just a couple of takes. 
At the time I first worked with Bobby he was already a star and I was just starting my first real job in the business. While some were a little skeptical about the new guy behind the board, if Bobby reservations he did not show it. He gave me the confidence and room to do my thing.  
I never forgot that.  
Joe Tarsia

I met Bobby Rydell several years ago and you could tell he was in a lot of pain over his wife Camille's illness and subsequent passing.
Some of his performances were not commensurate with his talent and at times he was unreliable and problematic at appearances and shows.
I really thought he was going to be gone a few years ago.
When I met him at his home, Thistle Dew Studio with John Ricciutti and a recent benefit show for The Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, he was a different person. He was really down to earth, charismatic, humble and a gifted story teller and impressionist. He really lights up a room and makes everyone around him feel comfortable. 
His book is a great read, refreshingly candid, loaded with great entertainment industry anecdotes (and notable name drops), heartbreakingly poignant, a rich, vivid tapestry of music and entertainment history in the second half of the 20th Century (and beyond). Every public book signing appearance Bobby makes is a huge hit and the crowds adore him. He's really been thru a lot and he is in a really good place at this stage of his life.  
Check out the new episode of John Ricciutti Presents covering Bobby Rydell's "Teen Idol on the Rocks"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA9QdGaMdV4
The interview explores Bobby's great new book which is selling like hot cakes. The interview and book are refreshingly candid and cover Bobby's battle with Alcoholism (Including Organ Transplant) and several heart breaking, pivotal and exciting periods in Bobby's Life.   
I've attached a few pictures of Bobby from shoots and appearances.   
The interview was produced by Radnor Studio 21 and Character Driven Productions


Be sure to check out the interview clip via the link above ... good stuff!  (kk)

I love your interview style, my friend. The Rydell interview is up there with your best work. 
I wish the news people would ask questions like you do.  There is no evading your questions. 
You keep hammering, in a gentle way, until your question gets a satisfactory answer. 
I like how you kept at Bobby to explain his feelings on the Philadelphia slights from the Hall of Fame and the way you kept at him about Klein's withholding of all of that wonderful music. 
You are a dogged investigator! Geraldo's got nothing on you, Kent! 
Thank you  
Steve Sarley
Thanks for the kind words.
I have to admit that it was a little more difficult this time and, as a result, I pushed a little harder on this one ... but I wanted this to be as good as it good be ... and, based on the comments I'm seeing, I think we did ok ... hope Bobby reads this and feels the same way.  (Special thanks, too, to Randy Alexander, who helped set all of this up for me ... he's familiar with the work we do here in Forgotten Hits and I know that he definitely helped get me some extra time with Bobby.)
It's gotta be tough in a way ... Bobby's on a major promotional blitz right now, doing TONS of interviews and appearances in conjunction with the book.  At some point he must get tired of answering the same questions over and over so I tried to get into some areas that perhaps the average "non-music-guy" journalist wouldn't think to ask.  (I read a couple of other published interviews that he's done and the first three all compared him to Justin Bieber!  That was definitely NOT the direction I was going to go with mine!)
I hope that both Bobby and Randy are pleased with the outcome ... and will link to our feature once we permanently post it at www.forgottenhits.com.  (kk)

Hi Kent,
I am delighted to write about Bobby Rydell. He's one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of working with and the session on which we recorded FORGET HIM was one of the easiest I've produced.
Let me say right away I was very sorry to hear of his health problems and really do hope he's been able to leave them behind.
So how did we come to work together? In the early 60s, Pye Records, the label I worked for, was expanding rapidly. As was the norm in those days, producers like me (even George Martin) worked as in-house salaried staff. No royalties. My roster of artistes was varied and my productions included Cast Albums, comedy singles and albums and a Scottish duo.
As part of its expansion, Pye entered into licensing deals with Warner / Reprise and Cameo / Parkway and the deals included bringing various artistes from these labels to the UK to record. It also helped that everyone loved the British sound. In a short space of time I had the pleasure of producing Frank Sinatra, Keely Smith, The Everly Brothers, Chubby Checker (hard work!) and, my personal favourite, Bobby Rydell.
I was familiar with Bobby's warm sound and I wrote FORGET HIM specifically for him. The session was organized before he arrived in the UK. I was producer and writer and also sketched the chart. Bobby and I met as soon as he arrived in the UK and rehearsed a few songs but we both agreed that FORGET HIM should get the priority treatment.
A few days later we were in the studio and FORGET HIM came to life. I remember we recorded in the morning with everyone (orchestra and backing singers) taped at the same time. Most singers hate morning sessions before the voice has properly woken up but it didn't worry Bobby. In fact we nailed the Master in two takes.
I never had any worries about FORGET HIM and was thrilled when it charted in so many countries.
I still regularly perform the song myself in a nice slow easy Latin style. That's about as much energy as I like to give these days.
Best wishes,
TONY HATCH 
"Forget Him" is, without question, my all-time favorite Bobby Rydell track ... it just seems to have a MUCH cleaner sound than many of the others.  You guys totally nailed it in the studio on this one. 
It's a shame because that record was in The Top Five right as The Beatles were hitting the chart here in America.  Instead of spring-boarding a whole rash of hit singles, it ended up being Bobby's last big hurrah on the pop charts. Thanks, Tony! (kk)



 You missed your calling.
This is one of the best interviews I've ever read.
Forgotten Hits is ALWAYS entertaining and informative - but you can be especially proud of this one.
Marty   

I very much looked forward to your piece on Bobby Rydell.
It looks like you were able to conduct the in-depth interview with Bobby that I've always wanted to do.
Great interview!   
The only thing I might have done differently was get Bobby to comment more on each of his hits.  He did talk about a few and the "Wildwood Days" story was precisely the kind of insight I would seek into all his hits. It was interesting to note that Bobby simply recorded anything placed in front of him and admired Perry Como -- because Como told me he did exactly the same thing!  According to Perry, if he -- a former barber -- had chosen his own material, "I'd still be back cutting hair or something."
I'm not surprised by Bobby's interest in "Great American Songbook" material.  Think about the generation of song stylists he cherished and his love of Big Band Era material (which today forms the heart of what we now call "The Great American Songbook").   Most adults in the '50s and '60s -- including the show biz veterans he met and worked with -- were convinced that rock 'n' roll was a passing teenage fad and that it would soon fade away.  Even Buddy Holly, who wrote and sang "Not Fade Away," wondered about that in one interview!  The old hands who managed Bobby and ran Cameo-Parkway all told him and other teen idols they cared about that if they wanted long-running careers, they'd have to shift from that flash-in-the-pan rock 'n' roll stuff to the kind of music popular among adult nightclub audiences of that era (the early '60s).  That's why Rydell was encouraged to record "That Old Black Magic," Bobby Darin was pushed to cut "Mack The Knife," etc.  Doing so would enable them to ease out of that "fleetingly popular kid stuff" known as rock 'n' roll and into long-running supperclub stardom alongside Jack Jones, Vic Damone, Buddy Greco, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and, of course, Frank Sinatra.  Even Frankie Valli, a huge Sinatra fan, shared the same aspiration -- which was why Valli chose to create a singing career for himself apart from the teen-oriented Four Seasons with not a rock tune but a middle-of-the-road supperclub song which would work onstage in Vegas: "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."
I'm glad that following the passing of Allen Klein at least some of the output of Cameo-Parkway has finally been made available to radio and the public.  The fact that it took so long, though, has lead to a generation or more growing up without ever hearing the labels' hits -- while the output of other record companies active at the time dominate oldies airplay.  Bobby Rydell was second only to Chubby Checker among the Cameo-Parkway stars, which ranged from The Orlons to The Dovells, Dee Dee Sharp to Bob Seger, The Tymes to Charlie Gracie, The Ohio Express to The New Colony Six, John Zacherle to Ed McMahon, The Hardly Worthit Players to Clint Eastwood! 
Gary Theroux
The History Of Rock And Roll 
 
Best
Interview
Ever
Dennis
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